These five bands aren’t exactly unknown. Some of them are massive names in rock history. However, we think their frontmen and frontwomen haven’t gotten as much applause as icons like Mick Jagger, Robert Plant, Stevie Nicks, etc. Let’s take a look at five of the most underrated frontmen in rock history!
Videos by American Songwriter
This list isn’t exhaustive, by the way. Quite a few rock stars have gone under the radar through the years.
1. Gustavo Cerati of Soda Stereo
Argentina’s Soda Stereo was sorely loved in South America and beyond. Their late great frontman, Gustavo Cerati, lent a major hand to their success. His stage presence was magical.
Between his gorgeous voice and his lack of fear towards vulnerability and intensity, Cerati commanded the attention of listeners who weren’t even really fans of new wave or Argentine rock. His guitar-playing skills were super underrated, too.
2. Grace Slick of Jefferson Airplane
The soft, powerful vocals in “White Rabbit” still haunt and entrance listeners today. Those vocals belong to frontwoman Grace Slice of Jefferson Airplane. Not many lead singers had her kind of vocal ability: quiet and calm, yet direct and dynamic. Her stage presence was about what you’d expect from a 1960s psychedelic rock band, but there wasn’t anyone else quite like Grace Slick.
3. Corey Glover of Living Colour
Living Colour’s 1988 album Vivid is still quite loved today, especially the single “Cult Of Personality”. There was one personality that stood out from the rest of the band (respectfully), and it belongs to frontman Corey Glover.
From his long braided hair to vibrant outfits to intense vocals, Glover was unlike anyone else who hit the funk metal scene in the 80s. His chemistry with other band members was also delightful to watch. It makes sense why the band won multiple Grammy awards for their performances. Glover knew how to put on one hell of a show.
4. Paul Westerberg of The Replacements
The Replacements were one of the greats of American punk rock. The whole of the band contributed important elements to their sound, but Paul Westerberg brought the personality that made them stand out in a sea of other punk rock bands in the early 1980s. Westerberg’s charisma and attitude were very attractive to young punk fans at the time, as was his often self-deprecating and heartbreaking songwriting ability.
5. Zack De La Rocha of Rage Against The Machine
Zack De La Rocha has been a legend since Rage Against The Machine first got together back in 1991. When it comes to underrated rock frontmen, it might seem odd to include him on this list. RATM is one of the biggest politically-charged rock bands of our generation.
That being said, Zack De La Rocha doesn’t get enough credit for his dedication to his fans. Back in 2022, during the band’s reunion tour, he tore his Achilles heel on stage. But that didn’t stop him from powering through his set.
“If I have to crawl across this stage, we’re gonna play for y’all tonight,” he told the crowd. “We came too f**kin’ far.”
Photo by Karl Walter
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